A Day in Odesa Under War
The report introduces listeners to Odesa under the conditions of Russia's full-scale invasion, showcasing the city's transformations on visual, auditory, and value levels.
The story begins at Odesa’s railway station, which since 2022 has witnessed numerous tragic evacuation episodes. Particular attention is given to the painful memories of a train attendant recalling the early months of the war.
Special focus is placed on the security situation in the Black Sea, where Ukrainian Navy patrol boats operate. Thanks to the efforts of Ukrainian forces, Russian ships have been pushed back, creating a corridor for civilian shipping – vital for the economy. Nevertheless, the threat of naval mines, which storms occasionally wash ashore, remains significant.
The report highlights Odesa’s vibrant and multifaceted volunteer movement, which swiftly responds to military needs. One example is the Crimean Tatars of Odesa, who initially cooked pilaf for territorial defense units and are now engaged in assembling and repairing FPV drones through the "Weekend Drone" project.
Listeners are then taken to Deribasivska Street, where, despite the war, music from cafés still fills the air. However, the area now hosts weekly gatherings of families of prisoners of war and the missing, who call on society not to forget their loved ones. Demonstrators also demand increased funding for Ukraine’s Defense Forces.
BASIC INFORMATION
Competition category: News Report
Title in English: A Day in Odesa Under War
Original title: Один день з життя Одеси під час війни
Author: Diana Popkova
Length (in minutes): 9:36
Original language: Ukrainian
Name of station which broadcast the program: Suspilne Ukraine (JSC "UA: PBC")
The report also addresses changes in the city's toponymy as part of a broader decolonization process. One of the most resonant issues is the fate of the monument to Russian poet Alexander Pushkin on Prymorskyi Boulevard. Although a decision was made to dismantle the statue and funds were allocated for project documentation, the move triggered international debate, with opponents appealing to UNESCO to halt the process.
The report presents diverse opinions from Odesa residents, ranging from calls for the immediate removal of imperial-era monuments to cautions about preserving historical memory. In the cultural dimension, the report highlights the Odesa Opera House, where the premiere of the opera Kateryna, based on texts by Taras Shevchenko, took place. The production, imbued with Ukrainian spirit, evoked an emotional response from audiences, who spontaneously chanted patriotic slogans.
The report concludes by emphasizing that despite frequent shelling and numerous challenges, Odesa stands resilient. The city honors those to whom it owes its existence as a rear stronghold, with the names of fallen soldiers being solemnly read aloud. This portrayal captures a contemporary Odesa – still recognizable, yet profoundly transformed by the realities of full-scale war.
When: Wednesday 22th October 2025 | morning listening session 11:20
Where: Theatre hall, Arts Centre UP
Entrance: Free admission with accreditation
Look at the detailed program of the listening session.
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